The German version of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): psychometric properties and diagnostic utility

Krüger-Gottschalk, Antje; Knaevelsrud, Christine; Rau, Heinrich; Dyer, Anne; Schäfer, Ingo; Schellong, Julia und Ehring, Thomas (2017): The German version of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): psychometric properties and diagnostic utility. In: BMC Psychiatry 17:379

Abstract

Background: The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL, now PCL-5) has recently been revised to reflect the new diagnostic criteria of the disorder. Methods: A clinical sample of trauma-exposed individuals (N = 352) was assessed, with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) and the PCL-5. internal consistencies and test-retest reliability were computed. To investigate diagnostic accuracy, we calculated receiver operating curves. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed to analyze the structural validity. Results: Results showed high internal consistency (a = .95), high test-retest reliability (r = .91) and a high correlation with the total severity score of the CAPS-5, r = .77. in addition, the recommended cutoff of 33 on the PCL-5 showed, high diagnostic accuracy when compared to the diagnosis established by the CAPS-5. CFAs comparing the DSM-5 model with alternative models (the three-factor solution, the dysphoria, anhedonia, externalizing behavior and hybrid model) to account for the structural validity of the PCL-5 remained inconclusive. Conclusions: Overall, the findings show that the German PCL-5 is a reliable instrument with good diagnostic accuracy. However, more research evaluating the underlying factor structure is needed.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Psychology and Education Science > Department Psychology
• Subjects: 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 150 Psychology
• ISSN: 1471-244X
• Language: English